Selanne talks retirement

Published 4:00 am, Wednesday, April 30, 2003

A week after declining an option to return to the Sharks next season, Teemu Selanne hinted he might retire if the anticipated work stoppage in the NHL after next season lasts long.

"If the NHL has a strike next year, and it lasts awhile, I could very well retire," Selanne told reporters in Finland. "I'm not going to play until I am 40, that's one thing I know for sure that's in the future."

Selanne, 32, is participating in the World Championships, which conclude May 11 in his homeland. Speculation that Selanne will return and play for Anaheim continues. Though it is possible but doubtful he could re-sign with San Jose, there has been talk of reuniting with friend and former teammate Paul Kariya, the Mighty Ducks' captain.

"When they played Detroit, I spoke with Paul every day, we're still good friends," said Selanne, who maintains an offseason home in Anaheim. "I'm proud of the team, and, on the other hand, it's too bad that I am not still with them."

Selanne declined a $6.5 million option to return for a third full season with the Sharks, whom he led in goals each of the past two years. Selanne might be willing to take less money to play for the Mighty Ducks.

Selanne and Finland have had a strong start in the World Championships. Selanne (two goals, one assist), along with linemates Saku Koivu and former Shark Ville Peltonen, combined for nine points in Finland's 12-0 win over Slovenia on Monday. The Finns close out preliminary-round action today against the Czech Republic, which, along with Finland, is 2-0 in group play.

"It was nice to see so many guys scoring goals," said Selanne, who has 50 goals and 100 points in 95 games all-time for Finland.